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How Festivals Like the Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival Fuel Commercial Real Estate in Jupiter

On April 5–6, the sounds of Zydeco music and the aroma of authentic Louisiana cuisine filled the air at the Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival, hosted at the Abacoa Town Center Amphitheater in Jupiter, Florida. While the event may be known for its lively entertainment and family-friendly fun, there’s another layer worth noting—its impact on local commercial real estate.

At Cohen Commercial, we pay close attention to events like these. They’re more than just great community gatherings—they’re powerful economic drivers that demonstrate the value of thoughtfully planned retail and mixed-use developments.

Abacoa: A Blueprint for Mixed-Use Success

Abacoa is a perfect example of what happens when real estate development is done right. This master-planned community features a mix of residential, retail, dining, office, and entertainment spaces—all centered around a pedestrian-friendly layout. The Abacoa Amphitheater serves as a central hub, drawing visitors from across Palm Beach County and beyond.

When an event like the Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival takes place, it doesn’t just entertain—it activates the entire surrounding area. Local restaurants and retailers benefit from the increased foot traffic, while nearby office spaces and service-based businesses gain exposure to new clientele. Hotels, parking lots, and even temporary vendor spaces also see a bump in demand.

This kind of energy reinforces the importance of developing commercial real estate that prioritizes accessibility, walkability, and community engagement.

Events as Economic Engines

Festivals like this one offer a glimpse into the future of retail and hospitality leasing. In a time when brick-and-mortar retail is continually evolving, the key to long-term success often lies in experiential destinations—places where people want to spend time, not just money.

From a commercial real estate perspective, events are more than fun—they’re a measurable way to boost economic activity. They help local businesses thrive, encourage repeat visitation, and increase demand for well-positioned commercial space.

It’s also an excellent selling point for prospective tenants. Restaurants and retailers are more likely to lease in locations where traffic is consistent, and where the community plays an active role in supporting local business. The Abacoa area, thanks to events like this, continues to be one of those locations.

Why CRE Professionals Should Be Paying Attention

At Cohen Commercial, we understand the symbiotic relationship between community programming and real estate performance. Whether it’s leasing retail space, planning a redevelopment, or analyzing market trends, we look at the full picture—and events are a key part of that.

As Jupiter grows and evolves, we anticipate continued demand for commercial spaces that offer more than square footage. Community, culture, and connectivity are the new cornerstones of successful development.

If you’re an investor, business owner, or tenant exploring opportunities in the Jupiter area or elsewhere in Palm Beach County, we’re here to help you navigate that growth.

Original article source: Palm Beach Post. “The Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival returns to Jupiter this weekend.” Published April 2, 2025. Read the full article here.

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An Historic Waterfront Gem Reimagined: The Buccaneer Returns to Singer Island

A Landmark Revival with Commercial Real Estate Impact

The recent grand reopening of the Buccaneer Waterfront Bar & Grill on Singer Island marks more than the return of a beloved local restaurant — it’s a key development in the commercial real estate revitalization of Palm Beach County. Closed since 2020, the Buccaneer has been completely reimagined under the ownership of Sharfi Holdings Inc., which purchased the property in 2021. Their investment reflects a growing trend: restoring iconic spaces to bring both historic value and economic vitality back to the community.

Strategic Location: Real Estate Worth Reviving

Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway at 383 Blue Heron Blvd, this site has long held prime value thanks to its waterfront access and location just before the bridge to the beach. The Buccaneer’s transformation taps into the increasing demand for experiential dining in high-traffic tourist and local hotspots. From a real estate standpoint, the property’s revival enhances the surrounding area’s appeal — boosting not only tourism but also increasing the value of neighboring commercial and mixed-use properties.

Preserving History, Creating Value

Sharfi Holdings’ approach blended preservation with modernization. Signature elements of the original 1960s Buccaneer, like the tropical underwater mural and handcrafted wooden bar, have been thoughtfully restored, adding nostalgic charm to the updated space. This kind of mindful redevelopment is a hallmark of successful commercial real estate strategies — honoring the past while appealing to modern tastes, resulting in a differentiated and highly marketable asset.

Star Power: A Culinary Anchor Tenant

A standout feature of the Buccaneer’s rebirth is the hiring of Chef Paul Niedermann, winner of Season 9 of Hell’s Kitchen. His culinary influence not only elevates the guest experience but also serves as a commercial draw, increasing the destination’s viability and visibility. Just as anchor tenants can drive traffic in retail centers, a notable chef can anchor a restaurant’s appeal and drive foot traffic in hospitality-driven properties.

Community Impact and Economic Revitalization

The restaurant’s reopening is already stimulating local economic activity by generating jobs, increasing visitor numbers, and bringing renewed energy to Singer Island. Projects like this demonstrate how hospitality ventures contribute to larger commercial development goals — supporting local employment, encouraging further investment, and enhancing quality of life in the surrounding community.

A Case Study in Smart Redevelopment

From a commercial real estate lens, the Buccaneer is a strong example of adaptive reuse and strategic reinvestment. It shows how historic properties, when revitalized with care and purpose, can become vibrant economic drivers. As Palm Beach County continues to evolve, developments like this will play a critical role in shaping the future of its real estate and hospitality landscape.

Source:
 Adapted from the original article by Liz Balmaseda in the Palm Beach Post titled “Palm Beach County restaurant resurrected with menu by ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ chef” (March 20, 2025).

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Palm Beach’s Sole Gas Station Sells for $11.94M — A Testament to High-Value Commercial Real Estate

In the world of commercial real estate, location and uniqueness often drive value — and there’s no better example than the recent $11.94 million sale of Gray’s Sunoco, the only gas station on the island of Palm Beach. This record-setting transaction reflects the scarcity and desirability of commercial properties in affluent markets.

A One-of-a-Kind Commercial Asset

Situated at 340 S. County Road, near Palm Beach Town Hall, Gray’s Sunoco has long been more than just a gas station. With its full-service pumps and ability to service high-end vehicles like Rolls-Royces and Ferraris, it serves as both a community staple and a critical service point in times of need — particularly during hurricane season when fuel supplies run low.

The property, which includes four service bays and a small convenience store, sits on just four-tenths of an acre. Yet, its small footprint didn’t stop it from commanding a premium price — a hallmark of high-value commercial real estate in exclusive markets.

From $2.6M to $11.94M in Two Decades

The seller, Peter Berley, acquired the property in 2005 for $2.6 million. After 20 years of ownership, the recent sale represents a nearly fivefold increase in value, reflecting Palm Beach’s booming real estate market and the rising importance of essential-use properties.

The buyer, Alexander Hufty Griswold, is a well-known Palm Beach real estate investor with deep family roots in the area. Through a Delaware-registered LLC linked to his Armata Holdings Management Corp., Griswold secured the property with the intention of maintaining its current use.

Why This Sale Matters

This transaction highlights several key trends in commercial real estate:

• Scarcity Drives Value: As the only gas station in Palm Beach, Gray’s Sunoco offers a rare, irreplaceable service. In markets where land is limited and zoning is strict, unique commercial assets often appreciate faster than traditional properties.

• Community-Centric Investments: Griswold’s commitment to preserving the property as a gas station reflects a growing emphasis on investing with community impact in mind. Essential-use properties that serve local needs can maintain stable demand regardless of market cycles.

• Historical and Emotional Value: The station’s history dates back to the early 20th century, adding sentimental value to its already prime location. Properties with a legacy often command higher prices due to their cultural and historical significance.

What This Means for Commercial Real Estate Investors

The $11.94 million sale is a reminder that not all commercial real estate is created equal. In exclusive markets like Palm Beach, properties that blend necessity, scarcity, and history can achieve exceptional valuations. Investors seeking long-term appreciation should consider essential-use properties in high-demand areas where competition is low but impact is high.

As Palm Beach continues to evolve, the preservation of landmarks like Gray’s Sunoco demonstrates that commercial real estate is about more than just transactions — it’s about sustaining the fabric of the community.

At Cohen Commercial, we understand the value of unique commercial assets. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, we’re here to help you navigate the market with confidence.

Cited Source: Palm Beach Daily News, “Palm Beach’s Sole Gas Station, Which Offers Full-Service Pumps, Sells for $11.94M” by Darrell Hofheinz, March 20, 2025.